Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Commerce City, CO: $46,009 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Commerce City, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $46,009 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Commerce City's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $43,818 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($64,916) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the physical therapist assistant workforce in Commerce City, Colorado, the starting physical therapist assistant salary is projected at around $46,009 in 2026. This initial figure may seem modest compared to the median annual salary of $64,916 for the area. However, early-career professionals can expect a growth trajectory that helps bridge this gap, progressing from the entry-level pay towards more competitive figures typically seen in the market. Within the first three to five years, many entry-level PTAs may see their salaries rise, reaching approximately $56,861 at the P25 level and potentially attaining the median as they gain experience. Overall, Commerce City presents a relatively promising environment for new grads, as the demand for PTAs sustains growth and offers opportunities for skill development in a community with a cost of living that is slightly above the national average.
About the Commerce City Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Commerce City
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Commerce City
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Commerce City, CO typically start between $46,009 and $56,861 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $37,922 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $64,916 — 7.59% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Colorado of $22,000 represents just 47.82% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($46,009/year) in Commerce City. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAPTE-accredited Physical Therapist Assistant associate degree programs. Tuition varies between community college and private technical school programs.
PTA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Commerce City
- 1Research the Commerce City market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $46,009 to $56,861, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the physical therapy field — employers in CO often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Commerce City, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Commerce City for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Commerce City's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Physical Therapist Assistant Compensation Range
The physical therapist assistant wage spread in Commerce City is $37,922 ( 82.42%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $46,009, experienced hygienists can earn up to $83,931.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,374
2025 BLS Actual
$44,786
2026 Current Est.
$46,009
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Commerce City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,374 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,739 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,966 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,650 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,496 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,475 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,786 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,009 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,265 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Commerce City, CO grew 42.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,374 in 2019 to $44,786 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $47,265. New graduates entering the Commerce City job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Commerce City metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.73% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your physical therapy Career in Commerce City
Employers in Commerce City that frequently hire new physical therapist assistant graduates include outpatient clinics, which typically provide the most opportunities due to their higher patient turnover. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) also actively recruit entry-level PTAs despite recent reimbursement cuts impacting pay. However, it's worth noting that home health agencies usually prefer candidates with 1-2 years of clinical experience. To maximize starting salaries in Colorado, prospective PTAs should focus on obtaining crucial credentials, such as an Associate’s degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the NPTAE, and acquiring a state PTA license. Continuing education and advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA can also enhance qualifications. Given the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut for PTA services that took effect in 2022, new graduates should be prepared for some compression in pay in settings heavily reliant on Medicare. Over the first few years, realistic salary advancement is likely, particularly for those who continue to build their skill sets and navigate the demands of the profession effectively in Commerce City, CO.
More salary data for Commerce City, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Commerce City in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Commerce City?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Commerce City?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Commerce City?
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Written by Jordan Lee, DPT
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in outpatient physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Jordan works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new physical therapy graduates. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Commerce City. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Commerce City is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.73%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physical therapist assistants (SOC 31-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov